Meet New 'Bachelor' Grant Ellis, Who Doesn't Want a Woman Who Starts Drama or Gossips

The former sports player has been candid about his search for a partner, openly expressing the qualities he values in an ideal companion. Explore his journey as he shifts gears from athletics to a thriving career in finance.

The highly anticipated 29th season of "The Bachelor" premiered on January 27, 2025, with Grant Ellis as the leading man. Without wasting time, he clarified the characteristics of his ideal match, and there are some things he doesn't want.

Ellis is no stranger to the spotlight and is known for his no-nonsense approach to relationships. After capturing attention as a standout contestant on Jenn Tran's season of "The Bachelorette" where he secured a fifth-place finish, the public figure is now confidently stepping into the Bachelor role.

This season, 25 women are vying for his affection. Among them are a 27-year-old pediatric speech therapist from New Brunswick, Canada, and a 25-year-old luxury travel host based in Los Angeles, California.

With such a diverse group of women competing for his attention, his bio states, "As the Bachelor, Ellis is eager to embark on a journey filled with romance, adventure, and genuine connections."

His ideal partner embodies qualities like loyalty, a good sense of humor, and a heartfelt appreciation for life's simpler moments — qualities he hopes to discover in the women competing for his heart.

The reality star's vision for love is deeply rooted in his desire to create a fulfilling and lasting connection. In a preview of "The Bachelor," he opens up about his fear of loneliness, revealing that he often masked his feelings behind a facade of contentment while growing up.

His loved ones remained unaware of the isolation he felt. Now, as he embarks on this path to find a life partner and start a family, Ellis, who is self-aware, is determined to leave loneliness behind. "I want to be happy. I want to have love. It's something that's important to me," he expressed.

The TV star, who describes himself as a "servant," believes that maturity is a cornerstone of a meaningful relationship, making it a key quality he seeks in a partner.

"And if they're starting drama, or if they're gossiping, or if they're doing certain things, that just indicates a lack of maturity," he said. Compassion, thoughtfulness, and strong personal hygiene also rank high on his priorities, while self-centered behavior is a significant red flag.

Fans have since shared mixed reactions to Ellis being chosen as the Bachelor. Some expressed anticipation, wishing him luck in finding love and calling it "a great season."

Others shared their opinions, noting that while Ellis is "cute," another Bachelor remained their favorite. Meanwhile, a few viewers voiced concerns over potential drama, with one saying they preferred shows with less backstabbing.

The buzz surrounding Ellis isn't just about his journey for love — his background also adds layers to his story. The 31-year-old is based in Houston, Texas, and enjoys rooting for the L.A. Lakers, bowling, and singing karaoke.

As a former Iona MBB student-athlete, he cherishes memories of his New Jersey hometown, particularly "my friends and the atmosphere. … It's a big basketball state, so that's what I miss." However, he doesn't long for the colder climate or the taxes.

Ellis's athletic journey further highlights his dynamic background. At 6-foot-4, he excelled as a guard while playing basketball at Hudson Catholic High School, Iona University, Southern University, and Albertus Magnus College.

His talent took him overseas, where he built a four-year professional career in the Dominican Republic. However, his time in the sport unexpectedly ended due to an injury, marking a significant turning point in his life.

Following the conclusion of his basketball career, Ellis shifted his focus to a new challenge — working as a day trader. His dedication to mastering the craft was unwavering, as he shared in an August 2024 episode of "The Viall Files," "I studied and went all in."

Despite losing everything he initially invested during his first three years — Ellis persevered, describing the experience as one that "tests who you are as a person" and pushes you to endure difficult times. The sports star's determination has since paid off.

His resilience and strength are deeply influenced by his personal relationships, particularly the bond he shares with his family. Ellis's mother, whom he credits with shaping the person he is today, played a pivotal role in his journey — even secretly submitting his application for "The Bachelorette."

He admires how she consistently helps others, drawing inspiration from her unwavering spirit. Describing her as "a trooper," in a 2024 interview, Ellis expressed pride in his mother's ability to face challenges head-on. He inherited her stubbornness — a trait he considers both a blessing and a curse.

While Ellis shares a close bond with his mother, his relationship with his only sibling, Taylor — who goes by her middle name, "Loreal" Ellis — has been more complex. Reflecting on their connection, he admitted, "For a long time, me and my sister weren't super tight."

The public figure's sibling is a Ford Models talent who has appeared in Marie Claire and InStyle Mexico. Initially studying nursing, she shifted to modeling in college after persistent encouragement, and once revealed, "So literally put school on hold to pursue modeling, and the rest is history."

Grant Ellis's journey on and off the court is a testament to his drive and commitment to finding purpose and connection. From overcoming setbacks in his athletic and professional life to cherishing the values instilled by his family, he enters this season of "The Bachelor" with a clear vision of the partner he hopes to meet.

As fans eagerly watch his search for love unfold, Ellis's authenticity and dedication to meaningful relationships promise a season filled with heartfelt moments and lasting impressions. Only time will tell if this chapter will lead him to the forever he's been searching for.